Welcome the holiday season with this festive bread
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
Ingredients
  • 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 7 tablespoon cold butter, divided use
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • confectioners' sugar
Directions
  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in 6 tablespoons cold butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/3 cup slivered almonds, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel, 1 egg and 1 egg yolk.
  4. Step 4: Stir the wet ingredinets into the dry ingredients until just moistened.
  5. Step 5: Turn onto a floured surface; knead 5 times. Roll dough into a 10-inch-by-8-inch oval. Fold a long side over to within 1 inch of opposite side; press edge lightly to seal. Place on greased baking sheet; curve ends slightly.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Step 7: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter; brush over loaf. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar.